The UK has announced a major new £350 million defence deal with India, strengthening the strategic partnership between the two nations and supporting hundreds of jobs in Northern Ireland.
The agreement will see UK-manufactured Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMM) and launchers supplied to the Indian Army, built at a facility in Belfast. The same missile systems are currently being produced there for Ukraine, underscoring the strength and export capability of the UK’s defence industry.
The deal is expected to secure more than 700 jobs in Northern Ireland and forms part of the Government’s wider commitment to grow the UK’s defence manufacturing sector.
A further milestone has also been reached in the UK and India’s collaboration on electric-powered engines for naval ships, as both nations signed an Implementing Arrangement to advance the project to the next stage. The partnership, valued at an initial £250 million, marks a significant step forward in defence technology cooperation.
Speaking during his visit to Mumbai, Prime Minister Keir Starmer hailed the agreements as a sign of “the UK and India’s growing strategic partnership,” adding that they highlight how defence collaboration can deliver both security and economic growth.
Defence Secretary John Healey MP said the new deals “show how our growing partnership with India will boost UK business and jobs.” He added:
“As we deepen our defence relationship with India, we will harness the UK defence industry as an engine for growth, securing vital jobs in Northern Ireland and across the UK.”
The announcement coincides with the UK Carrier Strike Group (CSG), led by HMS Prince of Wales, taking part in Exercise Konkan with the Indian Navy in the Western Indian Ocean. The four-day exercise, which began on 5 October, involves complex air and maritime operations featuring ships, submarines and aircraft from both navies.
The CSG is currently on an eight-month Indo-Pacific deployment, known as Operation Highmast, designed to strengthen partnerships across the region. Following the exercise, UK naval units will visit Mumbai and Goa to host industrial engagements, cultural exchanges, and community outreach activities.
Together, the defence deals and joint operations highlight the UK’s commitment to a stronger strategic partnership with India, one that boosts regional security, drives technological innovation, and supports British industry at home.
